29.07.2016 18:19 h

Turkey's Besiktas sign Adriano from Barcelona

Turkish champions Besiktas on Friday announced the signing of Brazilian full-back Adriano Correia from Barcelona in a three-year deal for a transfer fee of 600,000 euros ($670,000).

Adriano had enjoyed six full seasons at Barcelona and his signing by Besiktas marks a major boost to their campaign for the Champions League in the coming season where they have Turkey's sole automatic spot.

The player will have a starting salary of 2.35 million euros ($2.63 million) in Istanbul plus bonuses, the club said in an announcement to the stock market.

Adriano also has 17 appearances for the Brazilian national team under his belt.

"I am very happy to put on the Besiktas strip. Istanbul is very beautiful. I will have no difficulty adapting here," the club quoted Adriano as saying.

"I will represent Besiktas in the best way in the league and Europe. We are going to be even better than last season."

His signing is a boost not just to Besiktas but for Turkish football in general after last season's top scorer, German striker Mario Gomez, announced he was leaving the club due to political uncertainty in the wake of the failed coup.

Beskitas now have their sights on signing Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o from Antalyaspor to replace Gomez in front of goal, Turkish media reports have said.